Apple glasses are an open secret. While the Apple brand hasn't officially announced them yet, the entire world is expecting them sooner or later. However, the outlook is still very uncertain, so we don't know what the rumors and real information about this new virtual reality device are. That's why we decided to present them below!
Apple Virtual Reality Glasses
Apple has been experimenting with virtual reality and augmented reality technologies for nearly 20 years, as evidenced by its patent applications. However, with the explosion in popularity of VR and AR, Apple's forays into glasses are becoming more serious and are expected to bring a new virtual reality product in 2023.
This is demonstrated by the existence of a research unit within Apple with hundreds of employees working on AR and VR, exploring ways in which emerging technologies could be used in future Apple products.
AR/VR hiring has increased in recent years, and Apple has acquired several AR/VR companies as it advances its work in the AR/VR space.
Apple is developing at least two AR projects, including an augmented reality headset launching in 2023, followed by a sleeker pair of AR glasses coming later.
Features of the new Apple VR
AR/VR Headsets
The first Apple glasses will support AR and VR capabilities, a technology commonly referred to as "mixed reality." Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are similar technologies, but their potential applications vary significantly.
Virtual reality refers to a fully immersive experience in a virtual world, while augmented reality refers to a modified view of the real world. With a virtual reality experience, the real world is largely excluded to focus on a completely virtual experience, but augmented reality overlays virtual elements onto your view of the real world.
Apple glasses design
The Apple AR/VR headset will look similar to other VR headsets on the market, with a design that's not far removed from Facebook's Oculus Quest virtual reality headset . Several design details have been revealed in rumors, but we'll still have to wait for more details to emerge.
VR glasses screens
Rumors suggest the AR/VR headset will have two or three displays. There will be two high-resolution 4K micro OLED displays with up to 3,000 pixels per inch, for a total resolution of 8K. Sony is expected to supply the display modules Apple will use, though it's possible Apple could also use some Samsung OLED displays.
Micro OLED displays are built directly onto chip wafers rather than a glass substrate, resulting in thinner, smaller, and more energy-efficient displays.
They enable pixel sizes in the range of four to 20 micrometers, compared to 40 to 300 micrometers for standard OLED panels, and have a microsecond-faster response time, making them ideal for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications.
Prescription lenses and field of vision
Due to the headset's perfect fit, users won't be able to wear glasses, so there's the option of inserting prescription lenses over the screens. Prescription lenses can be attached to the headset using magnets.
The AR/VR headset will feature a 120-degree field of view, much like the Valve Index, and will be wider than the Meta Quest Pro's 106-degree field of view.
Additionally, Apple glasses will use small motors to adjust internally to match the user's interpupillary distance, providing the widest possible field of vision for each individual.
Battery pack connected
Apple Glasses is rumored to use a separate battery for the AR/VR headset, which would allow it to reduce weight.
The information suggests the battery pack would be worn on the waist and connected to the headphones via a MagSafe-like power cable to the headband.
Cameras
The headset will feature more than a dozen optical cameras to track hand movements, map the environment, capture facial features and body movements, and project visual experiences. One of the headset's key features is said to be realistic avatars with accurate facial features captured by the included cameras.
Each eye will be tracked by at least one camera, allowing the headset to accurately display the user's gaze on an avatar. With precise eye tracking, the headset will be able to perform foveated rendering to save power by rendering full-resolution images directly where the user is looking.
These are some of the general features of the new Apple glasses that will be arriving soon. When they do, GSM Pro will tell you everything you need to know to buy them. Don't miss them!